Lightning fire coach Guy Boucher

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Guy Boucher gives instructions from behind his bench during the in the first period in this file photo of an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in February. The Lightning announced Sunday morning that Boucher has been fired. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Published: Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 8:53 a.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 8:53 a.m.

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Lightning fired coach Guy Boucher on Sunday.

Assistants Martin Raymond and Dan Lacroix will share coaching responsibilities for Sunday night's game at Winnipeg.

"Guy has poured his heart and soul into the Lightning organization for these past three years and we appreciate all the work he has done," general manager Steve Yzerman said in a statement. "But ultimately I am not satisfied with the direction we are heading and I believe making a change today is in the best interest of our franchise."

Tampa Bay is next to last in the Eastern Conference with a 13-17-1 record. Boucher was hired as the Lightning's seventh coach on June 10, 2010.

Boucher's dismissal came one day after the Lightning fell behind by four goals in the first period of a 5-3 loss at Ottawa.

The Lightning appear headed toward missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season after reaching the Eastern Conference finals during Boucher's first year.

Tampa Bay entered this season with postseason aspirations after adding goalie Anders Lindback and defensemen Sami Salo and Matt Carle. Lindback and team captain Vincent Lecavalier have been among the players sidelined by injuries.

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